Borussia Dortmund winger Donyell Malen got into form just in time for the final spurt. The Dutchman should make the difference in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against PSV Eindhoven.
Donyell Malen had been seen cheering more often recently. The lightning-fast winger from Borussia Dortmund gave himself and his team much-needed success. Seven goals in his last nine Bundesliga games is a remarkable record. In total, he has already scored eleven times in the league this season and provided two assists.
Most recently against Werder Bremen, the 25-year-old even scored artistically with his back to the goal. The fact that Malen has just gotten into shape is a good thing for BVB – and its coach Edin Terzic.
Shot power, overview, goal danger
With his goals, Malen embellished BVB’s recent rather sluggish and tough performances with the victories that were essential for Dortmund. Terzic therefore appreciates the special skills of his offensive player. “Some Dutch players like Donyell have his shooting power, his overview, his goal threat. That’s noticeable,” said Terzic about the successful training of wingers in the neighboring country in recent years.
And at the same time, Malen’s individual actions allowed the discussions about the future of the coach, who had been criticized for a long time, to quieten down.
Old home Eindhoven
Now the Terzic team has to compete in the second leg of the round of 16 in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven (Wednesday, 9 p.m.). The first leg ended 1-1. Goal scorer for BVB: Donyell Malen.
His celebrations three weeks ago in his old homeland were particularly reserved, after all Malen has matured into an internationally sought-after professional in Eindhoven. “It’s tight and will be exciting. We’re not thinking about a penalty shootout – but everyone has practiced well,” said Malen, looking ahead to the upcoming game.
Ring exchange with Sancho?
Interest in painting has increased following his strong performances in recent weeks. There was recently a rumor that Manchester United had concrete interest in the Dutchman. In the exchange of rings, Jadon Sancho, who is currently on loan from the “Red Devils” from BVB, could stay with Dortmund. Curious: Malen was once brought to BVB as Sancho’s successor. Dortmund paid around 30 million euros to PSV for painting in the summer of 2021.
Start of difficult weeks for BVB
But the Dutchman didn’t just have good times at BVB. Again and again, over long periods of time, he failed to utilize his enormous potential and his great talent. Then the sensitive offensive player is more of a follower and has little confidence in himself. Most recently in the first half of this season.
“I talked to the coach a lot during the winter break,” Malen revealed his way back. He (still) lacks the consistency to perform consistently at the highest level. When painting finds its form, however, it is difficult to maintain.
For Dortmund, the aim against Eindhoven is to turn around the less than pleasant season. However, Borussia needs full focus in the near future. For BVB, the game against Eindhoven is the start of difficult weeks with five games against opponents from the top six of the Bundesliga within six weeks. What counts now is reaching the quarter-finals in the European premier class.
Good starting position for Borussia Dortmund
“We have worked out this good starting position and want to have a great evening with our fans. Our season is far from over,” said Terzic. And Donyell Malen added: “Is there a favorite? Sure, we’re playing at home.”